News

Halo 4 is the most expensive Microsoft game ever

It's not unusual for major game releases to have hefty budgets, but it seems that Halo 4 might be about to break a few records in that area.

Interviewed by Polygon, Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer described Halo as a "three billion dollar" brand. More than that, when asked if that made Halo 4 the most expensive title the publisher has produced, Spencer replied: "Absolutely. Nothing's even close."

Halo 3 reportedly cost $60 million back in 2007, and that was one of the priciest games ever made. If Halo 4 has topped that figure, it'll be up there with the average Hollywood blockbuster in terms of budget. Not that Microsoft will be that worried about making a profit - Halo 3 comfortably made $300 million, and anticipation for Halo 4 is even higher.

Halo 4 marks the debut of developer 343 Studios on the main Halo franchise - it also developed the Halo Anniversary Edition - and expectations are high. Thankfully, the early word from the gaming press is that it lives up to the hype.